A Live Sound Engineer in the UK

Before listening, use the dictionary to check that you know the meaning of the following words: venue; environment; audience; gig; stage manager; calm; composure; event; hiring out

Listen to the following interview with a live sound engineer in the UK and find out:

• Where he works. (type of company - large/small, etc)
• Where about in the UK he works.
• Why he chose this profession.
• What type of tasks he has to do on a typical day at work.
• What personal qualities he suggests are needed by a live sound engineer.
• Does he describe any work processes or services that he provides?
• What he likes best and least about his job.
• How he thinks this line of work will change in the future.
• Where he sees himself in 5 - 10 years' time.

After you have practised, add more dialogue for some of the following situations:

• John has not been to this venue before. He wants more information about it. (size, number of seats, position of the stage, etc.)
• John has had his equipment stolen and is waiting for new amplifiers etc. So he can’t do the job on October 20th. He apologises. Paul suggests another venue at a later date where he would like him to do the sound engineering.
• When preparing for the concert the vocalist in Surf Dogs complains about the sound quality and John is very patient and they agree on how to adjust the sound so that everyone is satisfied.